Being a pioneer in anything has always
been a risky proposition. Throughout history, those who have dared
the seemingly impossible have had to endure everything from doubters
and ridicule to hardship and unforeseen dangers.

Christopher Columbus, the Wright brothers
and Lewis and Clark are just a few examples of the numerous pioneers
who risked everything - even their very lives - to create opportunities,
expand our base of knowledge and discover new worlds. Their accomplishments
were done so that humanity as a whole could experience what happens
when boundaries are crossed, barriers are shattered and possibilities
become realities.

For the seven brave souls of the space
shuttle Columbia, their lives are a tribute to the ongoing human
adventure of discovery and a testimony of the true meaning of
courage. They knew the risks yet took the chance anyway - regardless
of what could transpire. They will take their place in history
amongst our greatest pioneers.

As President Ronald Reagan did when the
Challenger tragedy struck on January 28, 1986, President George
W. Bush became our nation's chaplain-in-chief. He brought a measure
of comfort to the sorrow of many Americans who mourn the loss
of those seven intrepid explorers on February 1, 2003.

Some people speculate this may be the
end of the American space program. I don't think so. The advances
that have been made in the arenas of technology and medical research
far outweigh the risks that are inherent in the realm of space
exploration.

An explorer's curiosity and thirst for
knowledge can never really be quenched. Therefore, our nation's
space program will continue. We will learn what happened to Columbia.
Mankind and the machines he builds are not perfect, but we can
always learn something new and do our level best to ensure that
another tragedy of this magnitude does not occur again.

For David Brown, Commander Willie McCool,
Kalpana Chalwa (who was born in India), Lt. Colonel Michael Anderson,
Dr. Laurel Clark (a physician), mission commander Colonel Rick
Husband and Colonel Ilan Ramon (the first Israeli in space and
a hero in his native Israel), your enthusiasm, your passion for
knowledge and the sacrifices you made will not go unnoticed or
forgotten by this journalist, this nation or the world.

Future astronauts amd all Americans can
learn a great deal from the Columbia's crew. In spite of the potential
dangers and problems that may arise, embrace the courage and the
determination of the Columbia crew and continue to boldly go where
no men have gone before. That would be a fitting legacy of the
Columbia.

May God grant His comfort to the families
of the crew, the nations of Israel and India and the American
people as we honor these brave men and women for their sacrifice
and courage.

###

(Jerry Brooks is a member of the National
Advisory Council of the African-American leadership network Project
21 and a former television/radio/print political commentator in
Portland, Oregon. He can be reached at [email protected].)

Note: New Visions Commentaries
reflect the views of their author, and not necessarily those of
Project 21.